Augmented reality geolocation optimization

ABSTRACT

Providing of an electronic map displaying preferred real-world locations to utilize in connection with an augmented reality world. A request is received at a server computer to provide the electronic map to utilize in connection with the augmented reality world. A geolocation is received. Real-world locations in a vicinity are queried from a real-world location profile. A virtual location profile of virtual locations in the augmented reality world is accessed to generate an initial virtual location set. A participant preference profile containing virtual preferences and real-world preferences is accessed. Real-time participant data is accessed. The virtual locations in the initial virtual location set are prioritized to generate a prioritized virtual location set. The prioritized virtual location set is limited based upon the real-time participant data to generate a real-time prioritized location set. The electronic map is generated based upon the real-time prioritized location set, and transmitted.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to the field of augmentedreality, and more particularly to augmented reality electronic gamingusing real-world geolocations presented on a user-preferred basis.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method, system, andcomputer program product for providing to a user-computing device anelectronic map displaying preferred real-world locations to utilize inconnection with an augmented reality world. A request is received at aserver computer to provide the electronic map displaying preferredreal-world locations to utilize in connection with the augmented realityworld. A geolocation of the user-computing device is received.Real-world locations in a vicinity are queried from a real-worldlocation profile. A virtual location profile of virtual locations in theaugmented reality world is accessed to generate an initial virtuallocation set, with each virtual location corresponding to one or morereal-world locations. A participant preference profile containingvirtual preferences and real-world preferences is accessed for aparticipant. Real-time participant data associated with the participantis accessed. The virtual locations in the initial virtual location setare prioritized based upon the virtual preferences and real-worldpreferences to generate a prioritized virtual location set. Theprioritized virtual location set is limited based upon the real-timeparticipant data to generate a real-time prioritized location set. Theelectronic map is generated based upon the real-time prioritizedlocation set. The server computer finally transmits the generatedelectronic map to the user-computing device, for further use inconnection with the augmented reality software.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an environment foraugmented reality geolocation optimization, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a simulated display of a cell phone, displaying an electronicmap to utilize in connection with the augmented reality world, in anembodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D are a flowchart depicting operational stepsthat a hardware component of a hardware appliance may execute, inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram of components of user computer and/orserver of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 depicts a cloud computing environment, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 depicts abstraction model layers, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Augmented reality games and other augmented reality software areincreasingly popular, and new uses for the technology are constantlybeing found. Augmented reality software may be used for functions suchas playing a video game, visualizing a pool shot, looking at celestialbodies, locating veins during surgery, visualizing furniture placed in ahouse before it is purchased, etc. Augmented reality software mayutilize video or still real-world scenes obtained from a camera of amobile phone or other mobile electronic device, with the softwareserving to enhance, supplement, or replace the real-world scenes togenerate composite views, and thereby perform the function the softwareis intended for. Augmented reality software may be tied to certainreal-world locations which have significance in the context of theaugmented reality software or have certain characteristics which aredesirable/preferred by users accessing the augmented reality software(“participants”). Participants may be encouraged to utilize theaugmented reality software, particularly at these geolocations. If theaugmented reality software is a video game, for example, participantsmay use such real-world geolocations to compete against otherparticipants in the augmented reality game. In such circumstances,participants in the augmented reality game must select a geolocation toutilize the software to pair a virtual world with the real-world togenerate an augmented reality world, and a solution would beadvantageous to recommend real-world geolocations in the most effectivefashion. Presented is a method, system, and computer program product toprovide an electronic map to a user computer, the electronic mapsuggesting one or more real-world locations for use in connection withthe augmented reality world, each real-world location corresponding toone or more virtual locations in the augmented reality world, based uponpreferences of the participant, recommendations of previousparticipants, and other factors. The present invention has the advantageof presenting real-world locations not simply on the basis of proximityto the participant but those also personalized to the participant,making the augmented reality software more intimate and personalized.

“Augmented reality software,” as discussed herein, is software toreceive a view from the real-world, typically from a camera, andsuperimpose computer-generated imagery on the view in order to generatea composite view of the real-world and the virtual world. The resultingcomposite view provides computer-generated imagery replacing or furtherdefining the image in the real-world in order to satisfy the function ofthe augmented reality software. The augmented reality software may befor superimposition of a classical coliseum or theater over a cameraview of a modern day sports arena, for example, for the purposes ofplaying a video game. The computer-generated image is then presented tothe participant of the augmented reality software. Such augmentedreality software is frequently used in the context of video gaming, buthas numerous other applications in the fields of general entertainment,astronomy, navigation, advertising, architecture, home design,gardening, etc. Augmented reality may also, or in the alternative,include audio aspects, replacing real-world audio with computergenerated sound, or replacement of still imagery with electronicaspects.

“Virtual reality software,” as discussed herein, is software to simulatea three-dimensional view of the augmented reality world, in alternateembodiments of the invention. The simulated three-dimensional view maybe presented through a television, a monitor, headgear, a mobileelectronic device, or other electronic device. In various embodiments ofthe present invention, virtual reality software works hand-in-hand oralternately with augmented reality software to offer multiple means forparticipants to access and participate in the augmented reality world(although it may be considered a “virtual reality world” for theseparticipants).

A “real-world location profile,” as discussed herein, is anelectronically stored collection of information regarding real-worldlocations of significance in the context of the augmented realitysoftware or having certain characteristics which are desirable/preferredby participants accessing the augmented reality software, and mayinclude various data points regarding each real-world location. Eachreal-world location allows participants in the augmented realitysoftware to participate utilizing the software at the physical,real-world location. Each physical, real-world location in thereal-world location profile is located at a geolocation in thereal-world. Note also that each real-world location corresponds to avirtual location within the augmented reality world (or possibly morethan one virtual location). The various data points regarding real-worldlocations which may be included in the real-world location profileinclude characteristics, reviews, and descriptions for each of thereal-world locations. Characteristics may include, by means ofnon-limiting example, whether a real-world location is indoors/outdoors,whether a location is kid-friendly, noise levels, lighting, etc. Thevarious data points for the real-world location profile may be obtainedfrom characteristics, reviews, and descriptions input by participants tothe augmented reality software and/or by means of non-limiting example,from check-ins to social media pages (such as Facebook®, Google+®,Foursquare®, etc.), trends of where participants or other individualsare ordinarily at certain times of the day, time spent at a location,gaming statistics, various comments, opinions regarding real-worldlocations available via other websites, etc. Any or all data points maybe utilized by embodiments of the presently disclosed invention inderivation of a real location natural language understanding score foreach of the real-world locations, utilizing natural languageunderstanding software to analyze the various data points, and/or a reallocation sentiment score, containing a numeric assessment of variousparticipants' sentiments regarding the real-world location, such as on a1-10 scale, or one, two, three, or four stars for each of the real-worldlocations, for further use as discussed below. The real-world profilemay be stored, in a preferred embodiment, in objects or classes of aprogramming language, as those terms are understood to one of skill inthe art, but in alternate embodiments are stored in any sort of program,data structure, database entry, matrix, array, spreadsheet, or any othercomputer accessible form, in accordance with embodiments of theinvention.

A “virtual location profile,” as discussed herein, is an electronicallystored collection of information regarding virtual locations ofsignificance within the augmented realty world, and may include variousdata points regarding each virtual location. Typically, at these virtuallocations, a composite view may be utilized to replace or further definean image in the real-world. The various data points which may beincluded regarding each virtual location include virtual locationcharacteristics, such as a type of virtual location, features, number ofparticipants presently at the virtual location, max number ofparticipants at the virtual location, significance at virtual location,user sentiment, comments, aura within game, etc. The virtual locationcharacteristics may be input by the augmented reality developers, inputby previous participants, gathered by usage of the augmented realitysoftware (such as by collection of augmented reality statistics (points,wins/losses, etc.), collection from competitive play, collection from“fun” play, playing time, augmented reality world locations visited,in-game voice chat, in-game text chat, etc.). Any or all data points maybe utilized by the presently disclosed invention in derivation of avirtual location natural language understanding score for each of thevirtual locations (utilizing natural language understanding software toanalyze the various data points) and/or a virtual location sentimentscore (containing a numeric assessment of various participants'sentiments regarding the real-world location, such as on a 1-10 scale,or one, two, three, or four stars) for each of the virtual locations,for further use as discussed below. Each virtual location in the virtuallocation profile may correspond directly with a real-world location, orhave other significance. If virtual locations correspond directly withreal-world locations, the virtual locations may share characteristicswith the real-world locations. If, for example, a real-world location isoutdoors and open such as a park, the corresponding virtual location isalso outdoors and open such as an open field surrounded by trees withinthe augmented reality world. If the real-world location is undergroundand dimly lit, such as a dark bar in a basement, the correspondingvirtual location is also dimly lit, cavernous, and possibly undergroundsuch as a cavern or the like. The virtual location profile may bestored, in a preferred embodiment, in objects or classes of aprogramming language, as those terms are understood to one of skill inthe art, but in alternate embodiments are stored in any sort of program,data structure, matrix, array, spreadsheet, or any other computeraccessible form, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Thevirtual location profile may be generated initially by augmented realitydevelopers, and may also be updated manually or automatically as theaugmented reality world evolves.

A “participant preference profile,” as discussed with reference to thispatent application, is an electronically stored collection ofparticipant preferences for and/or participant history at real-worldlocations (“real-world preferences”) and participant preferences forand/or history at virtual locations (“virtual preferences”) in theaugmented reality world. In a preferred embodiment, real-worldpreferences include preferences for certain real-world locationcharacteristics, such as whether a location is outdoors or indoors, anature or type of a location (whether a restaurant, bar, sporting arena,open field, shopping mall, parking lot, retail business, etc. ispreferred), weather at the location, a number of other augmented realityparticipants at the location (greater than or equal to a certain amount,or less than or equal to a certain amount), whether the real-worldlocation serves alcoholic beverages, a type of participant present,indoors/outdoors, whether the real-world location has high ratings orlow ratings from other augmented reality participants, high/low ratingsfrom virtual reality participants, high/low ratings from visitors to thereal-world location who are not participants in augmented realitysoftware at all, ratings that are relevant to game play e.g. it's afoodie game and the location is known to have good/bad food, and/or anyother characteristics. Virtual preferences may include preferences forcertain augmented reality world location characteristics, such aswhether a location is outdoors or indoors in the augmented realityworld, a number of other augmented reality participants at the virtuallocation (greater than or equal to a certain amount, or less than orequal to a certain amount), whether the location has importance in theaugmented world (on a rating of 1.0 to 5.0), whether a “boss” monster islocated at the virtual location, whether the virtual location is part ofan in-game quest, and/or any other characteristics. The virtualpreferences and real-world preferences may correspond with each other ornot. A preference for sunny, outdoor locations in the real-worldindicates a preference for sunny, outdoor virtual locations as well,whereas a preference in the augmented reality world for confrontingundead over goblins has no meaningful corresponding real-worldpreference. In another embodiment, the participant preference profilesimply contains preferences for certain real-world locations (tracked bygeolocations, or the like) or certain virtual locations (tracked byaugmented reality world coordinates or virtual location name). Theparticipant preference profile is generated from information such asprevious use of the augmented reality software, use of social mediasoftware (Facebook®, Twitter®, Google+®, etc.), interactions with otherparticipants, chats, SMS messaging, e-mails, call logs, surveys, forumsexternal to the game, data collected from microphones utilized by theparticipants previously, connections to external websites, or any othertext or voice data, etc. A natural language classifier, such as might beperformed by IBM Watson® may be utilized, in an embodiment of theinvention, to interpret and seek relevant data from any text or voicedata. The real-world preferences and the virtual preferences may beutilized by the presently disclosed invention in derivation of aparticipant natural language understanding score and/or a participantsentiment score, for further use as discussed below. The participantpreference profile may be stored, in any embodiment, in objects orclasses of a programming language, as those terms are understood to oneof skill in the art, but in alternate embodiments are stored in any sortof program, data structure, matrix, array, spreadsheet, or any othercomputer accessible form, in accordance with embodiments of theinvention.

“Real-time participant data,” as discussed with reference to this patentapplication, is an electronically obtained and stored collection of dataregarding a current status of an augmented reality world participant, inthe real-world. The real-time participant data may be based on inputsfrom a microphone, determination of geolocation (such as transmitted bya mobile device), determination of then-current weather the participantis experiencing in the real-world (such as available from a website orfrom a local weather sensor), determination of current time for theparticipant, determination of who the participant is traveling with(such as from other mobile devices in the vicinity of the participant),various other sensors, or any other means of collection of data inreal-time from a participant, which current status is further used asdiscussed below. The microphone may, for example, collect data from theparticipant for electronic analysis as the participant travels throughthe real-world and speaks to various individuals, and thereby determinethe participant is traveling with a young child or other family member.Determination of geolocation may indicate the participant is travelingvia automobile, public transportation, or walking. Determination ofgeolocation and/or electronic analysis of microphones for multipleparticipants may also indicate whether the participant is traveling witha group of similar participants in the augmented reality world for theaugmented reality software. All real-time participant data may beutilized by the presently disclosed invention in derivation of areal-time natural language understanding score and/or a real-timesentiment score, for further use as discussed below. The real-timeparticipant data may be stored, in a preferred embodiment, in objects orclasses of a programming language, as those terms are understood to oneof skill in the art, but in alternate embodiments are stored in any sortof program, data structure, matrix, array, spreadsheet, or any othercomputer accessible form, in accordance with embodiments of theinvention. To maintain compliance with various data privacy laws, ifany, the presently disclosed invention may require explicit opt-in bythe participant for collection of real-time participant data.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an environment foraugmented reality geolocation optimization, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. In an exemplary embodiment,included in the environment for augmented reality geolocation 100 is auser computer 110 (or “user-computing device”), a server 120 (or a“server computer”), and a profile database 140. A microphone 117A and aweather sensor 117B are also shown as operatively connected to the usercomputer 110.

In various embodiments, network 130 can be any combination ofconnections and protocols that will support communications between usercomputer 110, server 120, and profile database 140, all interconnectedvia a network 130. In various embodiments, network 130 represents, forexample, an internet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network(WAN) such as the internet, and includes wired, wireless, or fiber opticconnections. In general, network 130 can be any combination ofconnections and protocols that will support communications between usercomputer 110, server 120, and profile database 140, in accordance withan embodiment of the invention.

In various embodiments, each of user computer 110, server 120, andprofile database 140 may be, for example, a mainframe or a minicomputer, a laptop, a tablet, a netbook personal computer (PC), a mobiledevice (such as a cell phone or portable data assistant), a desktopcomputer, or any sort of computing platform possessing sufficientprocessing power to perform the required functionality in accordancewith the embodiment, including execution of the augmented realitysoftware as discussed further above and below. Each of user computer110, server 120, and profile database 140 may include internal andexternal hardware components as depicted and described in further detailbelow with reference to FIG. 4, below. In other embodiments, each ofuser computer 110, server 120, and profile database 140 may beimplemented in a cloud computing environment, as described in relationto FIGS. 5 and 6, below.

User computer 110, utilizing hardware as discussed above, includes anaugmented reality user interface 112, a geolocation module 115, areal-time collection module 116, and a receiver module 118. Microphone117A and/or weather sensor 117B are operatively connected to the usercomputer 110.

Augmented reality user interface 112 represents a user computer 110installation of an interface for playing, utilizing, accessing, orotherwise using the software, as would be understood by a person ofskill in the art. In practice, the augmented reality user interface 112may be a screen on a mobile device such as a cell phone, a computerscreen, augmented reality goggles, or any other type of digital screen.In various embodiments, the augmented reality user interface 112 isaccessed or otherwise utilized by the participant in order to play theaugmented reality game or otherwise utilize the augmented realitysoftware. The augmented reality user interface 112 is in communicationwith the server 120, for the performing of functionality as discussedfurther above and below. In the preferred embodiment, a request is madeat the augmented reality user interface 112 for an electronic mapdisplaying one or more real-world locations to utilize in connectionwith the augmented reality world. Alternately, when the participantaccesses the augmented reality user interface 112 or simply accesses theuser computer 110 the electronic map is automatically presented. Theelectronic map provides preferred locations for a participant tophysically travel to utilize the augmented reality software to play avideo game against others, perform a function, view astronomical events,etc. The participant may desire, for example, to fight his monsteragainst another participant's monster in one of the real-worldlocations, or have a discussion with fellow amateur astronomersregarding a celestial event at a common place, etc.

In an alternate embodiment, the electronic map is generated aspreviously, based upon request, automatically upon access, etc., butinstead of displaying one or more real-world locations to utilize inconnection with the augmented reality world for physical travel, theelectronic map presents one or more real-world locations to utilize inconnection with the augmented reality world in a purely virtual fashion,i.e. where the participant travels to the locations within the augmentedreality software to play in a realistic setting based upon the real,physical world, but modified according to the desires of the augmentedreality software (as with more traditional virtual reality software).This may occur via utilization of a gaming console, virtual realityheadset, personal computer, etc., acting as the user computer 110. Thisallows the participant, playing alone or in a group of participants totravel virtually to a location, to play against other participants whomay themselves be playing virtually or in-person.

The geolocation module 115 of the user computer performs the function ofobtaining a geolocation where the user computer 110 is located inreal-time, and transmitting it to the server 120 for further use, asdiscussed below. Any of numerous means may be utilized for determiningof the geolocation of the user computer 110, including location with asocial media account check-in, identification of other check-inlocations via various websites, a global positioning system, cell-phonetower triangulation, wi-fi hotspot usage, cell-phone signal strengthassessment, round trip time calculations, peer-to-peer communicationswith other mobile computing devices, and online establishment reviews.Any combination of these may also be used, or any other presentlyexisting or after-arising techniques. The real-time providing ofgeolocation is crucial for the functioning of the presently disclosedinvention. The real-time geolocation module 115 may be installed onother participants' user computers 110, and then utilized to determinewhether the participant is traveling with a group of other participants.Information regarding whether the participant is in a group of otherparticipants may be utilized in further ways, as discussed below.

The real-time collection module 116 operates in various ways to obtainreal-time participant data associated with the participant. As furtherdiscussed above, the real-time participant data is data regarding thecurrent status of the participant, and may indicate method of travel theparticipant is using, who the participant is traveling with, localweather, time sensitivities, (e.g., if there is certain traffic patternsat certain times of day, if the participant has an appointment scheduledat 2:00 p.m., if the participant has to pick up a child at daycare at acertain time, etc.). Real-time participant data is collected inconjunction with the geolocation module 115, in conjunction with othergeolocation modules 115 on other participants' user computers 110 (notshown here), independently by the real-time collection module 116 viathe microphone 117A or weather sensor 117B, or in some other manner.

In an embodiment, geolocation data is used by the real-time collectionmodule 116 in the obtaining of real-time participant data. Geolocationdata may be obtained by the real-time collection module 116 from thegeolocation module 115 or obtained via the network 130 from other usercomputers' (not shown) geolocation modules 115. Geolocation data mayindicate how the participant is traveling (such as whether he or she iswalking, traveling by car, public transportation, flying, etc., based onthe speed and location of the participant), as well as indicate who theparticipant is traveling with (other participants, children, spouse,family, etc.). After such real-time participant data is collected, it isused further as described below.

In a further embodiment, the real-time collection module 116 may gatherinformation regarding the present weather in the area of the participantdirectly via weather sensor 117B, a separate website available via thenetwork 130, or in some other manner. This weather data may then be usedas real-time participant data. If the weather indicates a sunny, notvery-hot day, it may be preferable for the participant to be outside. Ifrain, snow, or extremely hot or cold weather is indicated, theparticipant should be outside. A more detailed discussion regarding suchreal-time participant data is below.

In the alternate embodiment allowing virtual travel, as discussed above,real-time participant data is utilized to determine preferences forpresentation of options exclusively within the augmented reality world.For example, if the participants enjoy sunny, bright locations, thensunny and bright locations are presented within the augmented realityworld.

In a still further embodiment, the real-time collection module 116operating independently gathers real-time participant data from amicrophone 117A, or microphones 117A associated with other usercomputers 110 (not shown). Natural language understanding software isthen used to interpret the discussions (or other sound) obtained. Suchdiscussions or other sound may be utilized to determine who theparticipant might be traveling with (such as a minor child), where theparticipant is located, how the participant is traveling, what theparticipant is presently doing, etc. The uses of the collected real-timeparticipant data are further discussed below. Such real-time participantdata is used further as described below.

Any of the above embodiments may be used in the alternate, or incombination, or various steps may not even be performed at all.Participants may have to explicitly consent into utilization of thegeolocation module 115 or microphone 117A, for purposes as describedherein, if required by any law, policy, or regulation.

The receiver module 118 allows the receipt of the electronic map at usercomputer 110 after generation by the server 120. The generation of theelectronic map is described in more detail below.

Profile database 140 represents one or more computer databases whichpossesses sufficient processing power allowing storage and access tovarious computer data and files upon request. Specifically available viathe profile database 140 is real-world location profile storage 142,virtual location profile storage 144, and participant profile storage146.

Real-world location profile storage 142 contains one or more real-worldlocation profiles regarding real-world locations of significance withinthe augmented reality world. Real-world location profile storage 142, isdiscussed further below.

Virtual location profile storage 144 contains one or more virtual worldlocation profiles regarding virtual locations of significance within theaugmented reality world. Virtual location profile storage 144, isdiscussed further below.

Participant profile storage 146 contains virtual preferences andreal-world preferences for participants. Participant profile storage 146is discussed further below.

Server 120 represents a network computing platform which possessessufficient computing power to host workload 96 of FIG. 6 below. Server120 includes runtime software 121, a client communication module 122, aprofile communication module 123, a real-time communication module 125,a map generation module 127, and a transmitter module 129.

Runtime software 121 stores and executes the majority of the runtimesoftware, except as discussed otherwise. The augmented reality softwareengine, graphics, etc. are processed herein.

Client communication module 122 provides functionality by which arequest is received to provide an electronic map displaying one or morepreferred real-world locations to utilize in connection with theaugmented reality world. Client communication module 122 furtherreceives the geolocation of the user computer 110. In an alternateembodiment, the client communication module 122 itself determines thegeolocation of the user computer, according to geolocation determinationtechniques more fully discussed above and below. After-arisingtechniques are specifically contemplated.

The profile communication module 123 queries from the profile database140 a real-world location profile stored in real-world location profilesstorage 142 containing one or more real-world locations in a vicinity ofthe geolocation which may be appropriate to utilize in connection withthe augmented reality world. Real-world locations may be in the vicinityif they are, for example, one-half mile from the geolocation, one milefrom the geolocation, two miles from the geolocation, five miles fromthe geolocation, and ten miles from the geolocation. Different distancesmay be utilized on a participant preferred basis, or set by developers.These relatively short distances are utilized to maintain accessibilityto the participants of the augmented reality world.

The real-world locations in the vicinity are designated by the augmentedreality developers to be of special interest with respect to theaugmented reality world. If, for example, the augmented reality world isdedicated to gaming, the real-world locations may be sporting arenaswhich are designated by the developers to have significance within theaugmented reality world, such as for transformation to quasi-historicalRoman-style coliseums. Alternately, if the augmented reality world isdevoted to astronomy, the real-world locations may be fields with aclear line of sight to the sky. In a further embodiment,characteristics, reviews, and descriptions (or other data points) forthe one or more real-world locations are queried as well. Thecharacteristics, reviews, and descriptions (or other data points) areutilized to derive a real location natural language understanding scoreand/or a real location sentiment score, for further use as discussedbelow. In a still further embodiment, locations are not included in thereal-world location profile if the real-world locations have a negativegeneral rating based upon previous reviews from other participants.

In the alternate embodiment allowing virtual travel to real-worldlocations exclusively within the augmented reality world, real-worldlocations in the vicinity may be virtually visited by the participant,in a form usable by the augmented reality software.

The profile communication module 123 accesses from the virtual locationprofile storage 144 of profile database 140 a virtual location profileof virtual locations in the augmented reality world which correspond tothe one or more real-world locations previously returned by query togenerate an initial virtual location set. The initial virtual locationset may be a data table, variable, or object of virtual locations, or amore complex object or data structure. Depending upon the nature of theaugmented reality world, each real-world location is matched withappropriate virtual locations. Continuing with regard to the examplesdiscussed above, if the augmented reality world is dedicated togladiator-style combat, the virtual locations may be Roman-stylecoliseums overlying modern sporting arenas. If the augmented realityworld is devoted to astronomy, the virtual locations may simply bereal-world open fields with celestial bodies labeled and constellationsdrawn over the sky, as appropriate. In a further embodiment, virtuallocation characteristics (or other data points) for the one or morevirtual locations are queried as well. The virtual locationcharacteristics (or other data points) are utilized to derive a virtuallocation natural language understanding score and/or a virtual locationsentiment score, for further use as discussed below.

The profile communication module 123 then accesses from participantprofile storage 146 of the profile database 140 a participant preferenceprofile containing virtual preferences and real-world preferences for aparticipant. The virtual preferences may indicate, as discussed above,which locations in the augmented reality world are preferred by theparticipant, such as because of certain characteristics desired foraugmented reality world locations, certain preferences for gameplay,etc. In a further embodiment, a participant natural languageunderstanding score and/or a participant sentiment score is derivedbased upon the virtual preferences and real-world preferences for theparticipant for later use as discussed below.

The real-time communication module 125 communicates with the real-timecollection module 116 to access real-time participant data associatedwith the participant. The definition and sources of real-timeparticipant data are provided above. In a further embodiment, areal-time natural language understanding score and/or a real-timesentiment score are derived based upon the real-time participant data.

The map generation module 127 then takes the next step of prioritizingthe one or more virtual locations in the initial virtual location setbased upon the virtual preferences and real-world preferences, togenerate a prioritized virtual location set. In effect, the mapgeneration module 127 takes account of the virtual preferences and thereal-world preferences for the participant and ranks the virtuallocations based upon the preferences of the participant. Since multipleratings may be conflicting, a weighting or ranking system may beutilized to best serve the needs of the participant. This serves tocreate the best experience for the participant in the augmented realityworld, whether the augmented reality world is devoted to online gaming,astronomy, architecture, or any other pursuit.

The map generation module 127 may then limit the prioritized virtuallocation set based upon the real-time participant data to generate areal-time prioritized location set. If, for example, the real-timeparticipant data indicates that the participant is with a child, bars(an establishment which serve alcohol) are immediately removed from thereal-time prioritized location set, to maintain child-friendliness. Ifthe real-time participant data indicates that the participant istraveling with multiple participants, locations that allow only a singleparticipant are removed from consideration. Only real-world locationsappropriate for a group of participants remain for consideration.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the map generation module 127may prioritize again the real-time prioritized location set based uponany combination of the real location natural language understandingscore, the virtual location natural language understanding score, theparticipant natural language understanding score, and the real-timenatural language understanding score. Alternately, or in addition, anyor all of the real location sentiment score, virtual location sentimentscore, the participant sentiment score, and the real-time sentimentscore may be utilized to prioritize the real-time prioritized locationset. Usage of some or all of these variables serves to best serve theneeds of the participant, re-organizing or eliminating locations whichare not desirable based upon a multi-factor analysis while suggestingthose more in-line with present needs.

The map generation module 127 generates the electronic map based uponthe real-time prioritized location set. The electronic map presents boththe virtual locations which have been generated as the real-timeprioritized location set, as well as the corresponding real-worldlocations.

In a still further embodiment, the map generation module 127 may requestmanual input from the participant via the augmented reality userinterface 112 after presentation of the electronic map, allowing forlast minute fine tuning by the participant. For instance, if it is toohot outside, the participant can manually remove outdoors locationswithout air conditioners. If the participant knows that a car accidenthas just occurred on route to a real-world location, a new real-worldlocation can be selected to avoid traffic. The manual input is enteredvia a web button or selection screen, such as presented in connectionwith FIG. 2.

The transmitter module 129 transmits the electronic map to the usercomputer, for presentation to the participant. A further discussion ofthis, and illustrations are provided below in connection with FIGS. 2and 3 below.

FIG. 2 is a simulated display of a cell phone 200 displaying anelectronic map 210 showing soft screen buttons 221, 223, 225 allowingselection of one or more real-world locations to utilize in connectionwith the augmented reality world, in an embodiment of the invention. Theelectronic map 210 is generated via the presently disclosed invention,as discussed further above and below. Soft screen button 221 showsBattle Arena #1. It is located at coordinates 40.459722° N, 73.997891°W, as displayed in soft screen button 221. The participant receiving theelectronic map 210 may travel to this location to engage in battlesagainst other participants. The participant merely has to use atouch-screen of the cell phone 200 to touch the soft screen button 221and a web mapping application (not shown here) will appear on the cellphone 200 providing turn-by-turn driving directions, walking directions,or public transportation directions for the participant to travel to thedestination. Similarly, selection by the participant of soft screenbutton 223 (showing Battle Arena #2, at 40.457900° N, 73.997921° W) orsoft screen button 225 (Battle Arena #3 at 40.457876° N, 73.995181° W)provides turn-by-turn directions to the respective destinations.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D are a flowchart depicting operational stepsthat a hardware component, multiple hardware components, and/or ahardware appliance may execute, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention. As shown in FIG. 3A, at step 305, a request is received bythe client communication module 122 of server 120 from the augmentedreality user interface 112 of user computer 110 to provide an electronicmap displaying preferred real-world locations. The real-world locationsare used in connection with the augmented reality world, as describedabove. At step 310, a geolocation of the user computer 110 is receivedby the client communication module 122 from the geolocation module 115of user computer 110. Alternately, the geolocation may be determinedindependently by the server 120. At step 315, the profile communicationmodule 123 communicates with the real-world location profile storage 142of profile database 140 to query a real-world location profile of one ormore real-world locations in a vicinity of the geolocation. In a furtherembodiment of the invention, the one or more real-world locations are inthe vicinity of the geolocation if they are within one-half mile fromthe geolocation, one mile from the geolocation, two miles from thegeolocation, five miles from the geolocation, or ten miles from thegeolocation. At step 320, optionally, the profile communication module123 queries from the real-world location profile storage 142characteristics, reviews, and descriptions for the one or morereal-world locations. At step 325, optionally, a real location naturallanguage understanding score is derived based upon the characteristics,reviews, and descriptions.

Continuing in FIG. 3B, at step 330, the profile communication module 123accesses virtual location profile storage 144 of profile database 140 toobtain a virtual location profile of virtual locations to generate aninitial virtual location set. The virtual locations may corresponddirectly with the real-world locations. At step 335, optionally, theprofile communication module accesses from the virtual location profilestorage 144 virtual location characteristics for each of the virtuallocation. At step 340, optionally, a virtual location natural languageunderstanding score is derived for each of the virtual locations basedupon the virtual location characteristics. At step 345, the profilecommunication module 123 accesses the participant profile storage 146 toaccess a participant preference profile containing virtual andreal-world preferences for a participant. At step 350, optionally, aparticipant natural language understanding score is derived based uponthe virtual preferences and real-world preferences for the participant.

Still continuing in FIG. 3C, at step 355, real-time participant dataassociated with the participant is accessed by the real-timecommunication module 125 of server 120 from the real-time collectionmodule 116 of the user computer 110. As discussed previously, real-timeparticipant data is collected in different ways, including by access toa microphone 117A or sensor 117B associated with user computer 110. Atstep 360, optionally, a real-time natural language understanding scoreis derived based upon the real-time participant data. At step 365, themap generation module 127 prioritizes the one or more virtual locationsin the initial virtual location set to generate a prioritized virtuallocation set. In an embodiment, the one or more virtual locations in theinitial virtual location set are prioritized based upon the virtualpreferences and real-world preferences previously accessed. At step 370,map generation module 127 limits the prioritized virtual location setbased upon the real-time participant data to generate a real-timeprioritized location set. At step 375, optionally, the clientcommunication module 122 requests manual input from the participant and,after receiving it, the prioritized virtual location set is furtherlimited based upon the requested manual input.

Finally, at FIG. 3D, at step 380, optionally, the map generation module127 further prioritizes the real-time prioritized location set basedupon any one or more previously derived natural language understandingscore. Any combination (or, preferably, all) of the real locationnatural language understanding score, the virtual location naturallanguage understanding score, the participant natural languageunderstanding score, and/or the real-time natural language understandingscore may be utilized. At step 385, the map generation module 127generates the electronic map based upon the real-time prioritizedlocation set. At step 390, the transmitter module 129 transmits thegenerated electronic map to the receiver module 118 of the user computer110 for display to the participant. Such a display is simulated inconnection with FIG. 2 (above).

FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram of components of user computer 110 and/orserver 120 of the environment for augmented reality geolocation 100 ofFIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Itshould be appreciated that FIG. 4 provides only an illustration of oneimplementation and does not imply any limitations with regard to theenvironments in which different embodiments may be implemented. Manymodifications to the depicted environment may be made.

User computer 110 and/or server 120 may include one or more processors902, one or more computer-readable RAMs 904, one or morecomputer-readable ROMs 906, one or more computer readable storage media908, device drivers 912, read/write drive or interface 914, networkadapter or interface 916, all interconnected over a communicationsfabric 918. Communications fabric 918 may be implemented with anyarchitecture designed for passing data and/or control informationbetween processors (such as microprocessors, communications and networkprocessors, etc.), system memory, peripheral devices, and any otherhardware components within a system.

One or more operating systems 910, and one or more application programs911, for example, the environment for augmented reality geolocation 100,are stored on one or more of the computer readable storage media 908 forexecution by one or more of the processors 902 via one or more of therespective RAMs 904 (which typically include cache memory). In theillustrated embodiment, each of the computer readable storage media 908may be a magnetic disk storage device of an internal hard drive, CD-ROM,DVD, memory stick, magnetic tape, magnetic disk, optical disk, asemiconductor storage device such as RAM, ROM, EPROM, flash memory orany other computer-readable tangible storage device that can store acomputer program and digital information.

User computer 110 and/or server 120 may also include a R/W drive orinterface 914 to read from and write to one or more portable computerreadable storage media 926. Application programs 911 on computing device106 may be stored on one or more of the portable computer readablestorage media 926, read via the respective R/W drive or interface 914and loaded into the respective computer readable storage media 908.

User computer 110 and/or server 120 may also include a network adapteror interface 916, such as a TCP/IP adapter card or wirelesscommunication adapter (such as a 4G wireless communication adapter usingOFDMA technology). Application programs 911 on User computer 110 and/orserver 120 may be downloaded to the computing device from an externalcomputer or external storage device via a network (for example, theInternet, a local area network or other wide area network or wirelessnetwork) and network adapter or interface 916. From the network adapteror interface 916, the programs may be loaded onto computer readablestorage media 908. The network may comprise copper wires, opticalfibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gatewaycomputers and/or edge servers.

User computer 110 and/or server 120 may also include a display screen920, a keyboard or keypad 922, and a computer mouse or touchpad 924.Device drivers 912 interface to display screen 920 for imaging, tokeyboard or keypad 922, to computer mouse or touchpad 924, and/or todisplay screen 920 for pressure sensing of alphanumeric character entryand user selections. The device drivers 912, R/W drive or interface 914and network adapter or interface 916 may comprise hardware and software(stored on computer readable storage media 908 and/or ROM 906).

The programs described herein are identified based upon the applicationfor which they are implemented in a specific embodiment of theinvention. However, it should be appreciated that any particular programnomenclature herein is used merely for convenience, and thus theinvention should not be limited to use solely in any specificapplication identified and/or implied by such nomenclature.

The present invention may be a method, computer program product, and/orcomputer system at any possible technical detail level of integration.The computer program product may include a computer readable storagemedium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereonfor causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present invention.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that canretain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but isnot limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device,an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of thecomputer readable storage medium includes the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD),a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such aspunch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructionsrecorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. Acomputer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construedas being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freelypropagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagatingthrough a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulsespassing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmittedthrough a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprisecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations ofthe present invention may be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, configuration data for integrated circuitry, oreither source code or object code written in any combination of one ormore programming languages, including an object oriented programminglanguage such as Smalltalk, C++, or the like, and procedural programminglanguages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programminglanguages. The computer readable program instructions may executeentirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as astand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partlyon a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. Inthe latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user'scomputer through any type of network, including a local area network(LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to anexternal computer (for example, through the Internet using an InternetService Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including,for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gatearrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute thecomputer readable program instructions by utilizing state information ofthe computer readable program instructions to personalize the electroniccircuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, computerprogram products, and apparatus (systems) according to embodiments ofthe invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructionsmay also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can directa computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or otherdevices to function in a particular manner, such that the computerreadable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises anarticle of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects ofthe function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram blockor blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof method, system, and computer program product according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of theorder noted in the Figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardwareand computer instructions.

It is to be understood that although this disclosure includes a detaileddescription on cloud computing, implementation of the teachings recitedherein are not limited to a cloud computing environment. Rather,embodiments of the present invention are capable of being implemented inconjunction with any other type of computing environment now known orlater developed.

Cloud computing is a model of service delivery for enabling convenient,on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computingresources (e.g., networks, network bandwidth, servers, processing,memory, storage, applications, virtual machines, and services) that canbe rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort orinteraction with a provider of the service. This cloud model may includeat least five characteristics, at least three service models, and atleast four deployment models.

Characteristics are as follows:

On-demand self-service: a cloud consumer can unilaterally provisioncomputing capabilities, such as server time and network storage, asneeded automatically without requiring human interaction with theservice's provider.

Broad network access: capabilities are available over a network andaccessed through standard mechanisms that promote use by heterogeneousthin or thick client platforms (e.g., mobile phones, laptops, and PDAs).

Resource pooling: the provider's computing resources are pooled to servemultiple consumers using a multi-tenant model, with different physicaland virtual resources dynamically assigned and reassigned according todemand. There is a sense of location independence in that the consumergenerally has no control or knowledge over the exact location of theprovided resources but may be able to specify location at a higher levelof abstraction (e.g., country, state, or datacenter).

Rapid elasticity: capabilities can be rapidly and elasticallyprovisioned, in some cases automatically, to quickly scale out andrapidly released to quickly scale in. To the consumer, the capabilitiesavailable for provisioning often appear to be unlimited and can bepurchased in any quantity at any time.

Measured service: cloud systems automatically control and optimizeresource use by leveraging a metering capability at some level ofabstraction appropriate to the type of service (e.g., storage,processing, bandwidth, and active user accounts). Resource usage can bemonitored, controlled, and reported, providing transparency for both theprovider and consumer of the utilized service.

Service Models are as follows:

Software as a Service (SaaS): the capability provided to the consumer isto use the provider's applications running on a cloud infrastructure.The applications are accessible from various client devices through athin client interface such as a web browser (e.g., web-based e-mail).The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloudinfrastructure including network, servers, operating systems, storage,or even individual application capabilities, with the possible exceptionof limited user-specific application configuration settings.

Platform as a Service (PaaS): the capability provided to the consumer isto deploy onto the cloud infrastructure consumer-created or acquiredapplications created using programming languages and tools supported bythe provider. The consumer does not manage or control the underlyingcloud infrastructure including networks, servers, operating systems, orstorage, but has control over the deployed applications and possiblyapplication hosting environment configurations.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): the capability provided to theconsumer is to provision processing, storage, networks, and otherfundamental computing resources where the consumer is able to deploy andrun arbitrary software, which can include operating systems andapplications. The consumer does not manage or control the underlyingcloud infrastructure but has control over operating systems, storage,deployed applications, and possibly limited control of select networkingcomponents (e.g., host firewalls).

Deployment Models are as follows:

Private cloud: the cloud infrastructure is operated solely for anorganization. It may be managed by the organization or a third party andmay exist on-premises or off-premises.

Community cloud: the cloud infrastructure is shared by severalorganizations and supports a specific community that has shared concerns(e.g., mission, security requirements, policy, and complianceconsiderations). It may be managed by the organizations or a third partyand may exist on-premises or off-premises.

Public cloud: the cloud infrastructure is made available to the generalpublic or a large industry group and is owned by an organization sellingcloud services.

Hybrid cloud: the cloud infrastructure is a composition of two or moreclouds (private, community, or public) that remain unique entities butare bound together by standardized or proprietary technology thatenables data and application portability (e.g., cloud bursting forload-balancing between clouds).

A cloud computing environment is service oriented with a focus onstatelessness, low coupling, modularity, and semantic interoperability.At the heart of cloud computing is an infrastructure that includes anetwork of interconnected nodes.

Referring now to FIG. 5, illustrative cloud computing environment 50 isdepicted. As shown, cloud computing environment 50 includes one or morecloud computing nodes 10 with which local computing devices used bycloud consumers, such as, for example, personal digital assistant (PDA)or cellular telephone 54A, desktop computer 54B, laptop computer 54C,and/or automobile computer system 54N may communicate. Nodes 10 maycommunicate with one another. They may be grouped (not shown) physicallyor virtually, in one or more networks, such as Private, Community,Public, or Hybrid clouds as described hereinabove, or a combinationthereof. This allows cloud computing environment 50 to offerinfrastructure, platforms and/or software as services for which a cloudconsumer does not need to maintain resources on a local computingdevice. It is understood that the types of computing devices 54A-N shownin FIG. 5 are intended to be illustrative only and that computing nodes10 and cloud computing environment 50 can communicate with any type ofcomputerized device over any type of network and/or network addressableconnection (e.g., using a web browser).

Referring now to FIG. 6, a set of functional abstraction layers providedby cloud computing environment 50 (FIG. 5) is shown. It should beunderstood in advance that the components, layers, and functions shownin FIG. 6 are intended to be illustrative only and embodiments of theinvention are not limited thereto. As depicted, the following layers andcorresponding functions are provided:

Hardware and software layer 60 includes hardware and softwarecomponents. Examples of hardware components include: mainframes 61; RISC(Reduced Instruction Set Computer) architecture based servers 62;servers 63; blade servers 64; storage devices 65; and networks andnetworking components 66. In some embodiments, software componentsinclude network application server software 67 and database software 68.

Virtualization layer 70 provides an abstraction layer from which thefollowing examples of virtual entities may be provided: virtual servers71; virtual storage 72; virtual networks 73, including virtual privatenetworks; virtual applications and operating systems 74; and virtualclients 75.

In one example, management layer 80 may provide the functions describedbelow. Resource provisioning 81 provides dynamic procurement ofcomputing resources and other resources that are utilized to performtasks within the cloud computing environment. Metering and Pricing 82provide cost tracking as resources are utilized within the cloudcomputing environment, and billing or invoicing for consumption of theseresources. In one example, these resources may include applicationsoftware licenses. Security provides identity verification for cloudconsumers and tasks, as well as protection for data and other resources.User portal 83 provides access to the cloud computing environment forconsumers and system administrators. Service level management 84provides cloud computing resource allocation and management such thatrequired service levels are met. Service Level Agreement (SLA) planningand fulfillment 85 provide pre-arrangement for, and procurement of,cloud computing resources for which a future requirement is anticipatedin accordance with an SLA.

Workloads layer 90 provides examples of functionality for which thecloud computing environment may be utilized. Examples of workloads andfunctions which may be provided from this layer include: mapping andnavigation 91; software development and lifecycle management 92; virtualclassroom education delivery 93; data analytics processing 94;transaction processing 95; and the environment for augmented realitygeolocation optimization 96.

Based on the foregoing, a method, system, and computer program producthave been disclosed. However, numerous modifications and substitutionscan be made without deviating from the scope of the present invention.Therefore, the present invention has been disclosed by way of exampleand not limitation.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer program product for providing to auser-computing device an electronic map, the computer program productcomprising a computer readable storage medium having programinstructions embodied therewith, wherein the computer readable storagemedium is not a transitory signal per se, the program instructionsexecutable by a computer to cause the computer to perform a methodcomprising: receiving a request at a server computer to provide theelectronic map displaying one or more preferred real-world locations toutilize in connection with an augmented reality world; receiving ageolocation of the user-computing device; querying from a real-worldlocation profile one or more real-world locations in a vicinity of thegeolocation; removing from the real-world location profile one or morereal-world locations each having a negative general rating; queryingfrom the real-world location profile for each of the one or morereal-world locations, characteristics, reviews, and descriptions for theone or more real-world locations and deriving a real location naturallanguage understanding score for each of the one or more real-worldlocations based upon the characteristics, reviews, and descriptions;accessing a virtual location profile of virtual locations in theaugmented reality world corresponding to the one or more real-worldlocations to generate an initial virtual location set; accessing fromthe virtual location profile, virtual location characteristics for eachof the virtual locations and deriving a virtual location naturallanguage understanding score for each of the virtual locations basedupon the virtual location characteristics; accessing a participantpreference profile containing virtual preferences and real-worldpreferences for a participant; deriving a participant natural languageunderstanding score based upon the virtual preferences and real-worldpreferences for the participant; accessing real-time participant dataassociated with the participant, the real-time participant datacollected from a microphone associated with the participant or a sensorassociated with the user-computing device, the real-time participantdata indicating the participant is in a group of participants; derivinga real-time natural language understanding score based upon thereal-time participant data; prioritizing the virtual locations in theinitial virtual location set based upon the virtual preferences andreal-world preferences to generate a prioritized virtual location set;limiting the prioritized virtual location set based upon the real-timeparticipant data to generate a real-time prioritized location set toonly include locations appropriate for the group of participants;prioritizing further the real-time prioritized location set based uponthe real location natural language understanding score, the virtuallocation natural language understanding score, the participant naturallanguage understanding score, and the real-time natural languageunderstanding score; generating the electronic map based upon thereal-time prioritized location set; and transmitting by the servercomputer the electronic map to the user-computing device.